This is a wonderful ten day sojourn into the heart of the Kashmir Valley, blissfully cool even during the summer months and bursting with traditional culture and arts.  Staying on one of the luxury houseboats on the peaceful and serene Nagin Lake is one of life’s most unforgettable experiences.  Water-powered peddlers sell everything from saffron to paper-mache deer to the houseboat door. Ride a Shikara - a Kashmiri gondola - to the watery vegetable markets and see the mountains mirrored in the lakes. 

This short tour takes you from the frantic and colourful streets of Delhi to the peace of Kashmir's outlying hill stations nestled in the Himalayas - a fantastic glimpse into life in India's most northern state.  It is surely a taste that will have you coming back for more time and time again.

ITINERARY

DAY 01  DELHI   On arrival in Delhi, you are met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 02  DELHI   After breakfast at the hotel, we head out by car for a comprehensive tour of Delhi.  We visit the beautiful Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.  From here we go to the imposing Moghul Red Fort and Ghandi Samadi (the hallowed cremation ground of Ghandi), before taking a walk through the labyrinth of frenetic streets that make up Chandni Chowk, the vivid, colourful bazaar abuzz with the life and soul of Old Delhi.

After Old Delhi, the tree-lined boulevards of New Delhi seem startlingly spacious.  We stop for lunch in Connaught Place, which houses many famous restaurants with a good choice of different cuisine. After lunch we start our tour of New Delhi at the enchanting Laxmi Narayan Temple, and take a drive past The Presidents House to India Gate. We spend time enjoying the peace and tranquillity of Humayan's Tomb, and marvelling at the Bhai Temple (a perfect lotus-shaped temple) and Qutab Minar.

In the evening there is time for shopping before viewing a spectacular light and sound show at the Red Fort.  We return to the hotel for dinner and rest.

DAY 03  DELHI - SRINAGAR   We transfer to the airport for the short morning flight to Srinagar.  On arrival, we transfer to your luxury houseboat accommodation on the stunning Nagin lake.  In the evening take a Shikara boat ride on the neighbouring Dal Lake to witness the sunset from among the beautiful lotus gardens. 

DAY 04  SRINAGAR
After breakfast we head out for a tour of the world famous Mughal Gardens, visiting the Nishat Bagh (Garden of Pleasure) and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love). We return to houseboat for hot lunch and head back onto the lake in the afternoon to enjoy the beauty that has led to this city often being compared to Venice. The Shikara will paddle you slowly around the watery markets, small bazaars floating together in a riotous fusion of colour, selling everything from fruit to Kashmiri saffron.

DAY 05  GULMARG   We take a day trip to Gulmarg, one of the most stunning hill resorts in the country. The journey itself is fantastic - a rich collage of shadowy poplar avenues giving way to rice fields dotted with tiny villages, that in turn give way to fir-covered hillsides with the mountains soaring overhead.  In summer, Gulmarg is a paradise for golfing (the highest green course in the world is found here at an altitude of 2650m), fishing, walking and horse-riding.  In the winter, it becomes a fantastic playground for winter sports, especially skiing.

DAY 06  SONMARG
We take a full day excursion to Sonmarg, a beautiful hill station known as the gateway to Ladakh.  A most beautiful drive from Srinagar, we watch the scenery change from the lush plenty of the valley to the thick, forested shade of the steep hillsides, to the clear open meadows of the alpine landscape.  On the way we stop many times to gaze out at this untouched land.  On reaching Sonmarg at 2690m, which is also called the Meadow of Gold, we enjoy a delicious lunch and the afternoon is free to enjoy this stunning hill resort. Take a ride on horseback to the nearby Thajiwas Glacier, where snow remains round the year, or wander the superb surroundings with camera in hand, enjoying this haven of natural delight.  We return to Srinagar in the evening for dinner and rest.

DAY 07  PAHALGAM
We take a day trip to Pahalgam by car, stopping on the way to look at saffron plantations, the Avantipur ruins and the Anantnag natural sulphur spring.  Situated 2130m up at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, deliciously cool even in the height of summer, and a favourite with Indian film-makers, many of whom have shot famous scenes here.  A wonderful day is spent exploring the natural pine forests and enjoying the natural charm of the valley and its stunning Himalayan backdrop, before returning in the evening to the houseboat. 

DAY 08 SRINAGAR
In the morning we visit the Shankaracharya Temple (Shiva temple), which commands one of the most magnificent views of the city of Srinagar with its lakes stretching across the valley towards the Himalayas on all sides. the afternoon is free for you to explore the city and shop for famous Kashmiri handicrafts, or indulge in a few marvellously lazy hours drifting on the lake.

DAY 09  SRINAGAR - DELHI   We transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi.  On arrival you settle into your hotel and are at leisure for the remainder of the day.

DAY 10  DELHI   We transfer to the airport or station for your onward journey.  Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Accommodation on a room-only basis in Delhi.  Accommodation on a full-board houseboat basis in Srinagar.

All economy class internal flights as specified: DELHI - SRINAGAR; SRINAGAR - DELHI.

All transfers by road including pick-ups and drop-offs at start and end of tour.

All sightseeing tours as specified.

Tour Cost
Per Person on Twin Sharing :  -  USD $ 857